Introduction

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College tuition keeps climbing, but what if you could cut down your costs by skipping courses you already know? Credit-by-examination programs allow students to earn college credit by passing exams, potentially saving thousands of dollars. But is this option right for you? Let's explore how testing out of classes works and whether it's a smart strategy for your college journey.

What Exams Are Available to Earn College Credit?

Several standardized exams let students earn college credit before setting foot in a classroom. Some of the most popular options include:

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CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) – Offers 34 exams in subjects like history, science, math, and business. Many colleges accept CLEP exams for credit, making it a great option for cutting costs. As of 2025, CLEP exams continue to be widely accepted, with institutions like Barry University allowing up to 30 credits through CLEP before junior status (60 credit hours).

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AP (Advanced Placement) Exams – High school students who take AP courses can earn college credit by passing these exams with a qualifying score. The College Board has recently seen an increase in students achieving scores of 3 or higher, improving the chances of earning credit.

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IB (International Baccalaureate) Exams – Some colleges award credit for IB courses if you earn a high enough score on the final assessments.

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DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)  – Originally for military personnel, DSST exams are now available to all students and cover a wide range of subjects. Many institutions, such as Wright State University, recognize DSST exams and award credit based on appropriate test scores.

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Each college sets its own policy on accepting these exams, so be sure to check with your school before relying on them for credit.

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How Do Challenge Exams at Community Colleges Work?

Some community colleges offer challenge exams, which let students test out of certain courses and earn credit. These exams are usually designed by the school and assess your knowledge of a particular subject. If you pass, you get credit for the class without having to take it. Cochise College, for example, grants credit for students who score 3, 4, or 5 on AP exams.

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Is a challenge exam right for you?

• You have prior knowledge or experience in the subject.
• The exam is accepted by the college you plan to attend.
• You’re confident in your ability to pass the test without additional coursework.

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Challenge exams can be a great way to save money and time, but they may not be available for all courses. Always check with your college's academic department for details.

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Pros and Cons of Testing Out vs. Taking the Course

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Pros:

• Saves money – Testing out of a class can cost significantly less than tuition for a full course. Exams like CLEP and DSST typically cost around $100 plus a proctoring fee, making them a cost-effective alternative to traditional courses.
• Saves time – Earn credits faster and potentially graduate early.
• Demonstrates competency – If you're already proficient in a subject, testing out can free up time for more advanced coursework.

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Cons:

• Not all schools accept exam credits – Policies vary by institution, so you’ll need to confirm before relying on this option.
• Miss out on classroom learning – Some students prefer in-class discussions, networking opportunities, and guided instruction.
• Exam pressure – If you don’t pass, you might end up needing to take the full course anyway.

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Conclusion

Testing out of college classes through credit-by-examination programs remains a practical strategy in 2025 for reducing tuition costs and expediting your education. Whether through CLEP, AP, DSST, or challenge exams, this strategy can work well for students who are confident in their knowledge and want to maximize their education dollars. Before committing, check your college’s policies to ensure these credits will count toward your degree.

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Want to learn more ways to save on college costs? Explore our student portal for scholarships, financial aid advice, and expert guidance to make college more affordable!

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